under trying conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under trying conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations that are difficult or challenging, often in the context of testing someone's abilities or resilience. Example: "The team managed to complete the project successfully under trying conditions, demonstrating their commitment and teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Lewis and Clark, for instance, are both heralded as America's first cross-country road trippers and presented as clay-footed mortals trying to keep it together under trying conditions.

The New York Times - Books

Lack of civility in travel is the result of two trends, the survey found: a general loss of respect and the effects of working and traveling under trying conditions.

The New York Times - Travel

On Saturday, the women challenged the Rettenbach Glacier course under trying conditions and, like the men, also adjusted to the new skis quite well, although their equipment changes were not as dramatic as the men's.

The New York Times - Sports

Like houses, proteins need nails and screws to keep their shape, especially under trying conditions such as extreme heat.

Science Magazine

The attributes and operating dynamics of the best HROs provide a template on which to better understand how safe and reliable performance can be achieved under trying conditions, and this may be useful to researchers and caregivers who seek to improve safety and reliability in health care.

Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology

Sex workers are often asked by laypeople how they navigate emotional vulnerability under trying conditions: clients who start sentences with, "I'm not racist, but"; those who won't stop talking about the "hideous" vulvas of other providers they've seen; guys who spend the entire time you're fucking them in the ass warning that you'd better not think they're gay.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And that is the problem with threatening to discipline birth attendants who are taking difficult-to-fill jobs under intensely trying conditions.

The New Yorker

Mr. Stiner obtained many "beats" for the HERALD during the Civil War and often under most trying conditions, for facilities for gathering and sending news were not highly developed in those days.

The New York Times

Still, sailing the seven seas, even under such trying conditions, can offer sights that Erin Andrews or Ken Rosenthal will never know.

Huffington Post

He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for this exploit, as well as his "untiring efforts" and "high standard of efficiency ... under extremely trying conditions"; the award was promulgated in the London Gazette on 13 May.

Wikipedia

"Under many trying conditions, lactation can be robust," says Goldman. "But there are some limitations when nutrients are limiting, and some of this depends on the type of malnutrition.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under trying conditions" when you want to emphasize not only the difficulty of a situation but also the testing of one's abilities or resilience.

Common error

While appropriate for formal writing and news reports, "under trying conditions" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for more natural alternatives like "when things get tough" or "in difficult times" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under trying conditions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing the circumstances in which an action takes place. Ludwig confirms this usage with several examples of the expression appearing in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under trying conditions" effectively describes a situation marked by significant difficulties and challenges, often testing one's resilience or abilities. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the phrase maintains a formal tone, it's important to consider the audience and choose more informal alternatives like "in difficult times" or "when things get tough" in more casual settings. Remember to use "under trying conditions" to emphasize that a situation is more than just difficult; it's a test of character or skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in difficult circumstances

Focuses on the general difficulty of the situation, without necessarily implying a test of resilience.

in challenging situations

Highlights the element of a test or a call for effort and skill.

under adverse circumstances

Emphasizes the unfavorable or negative nature of the conditions.

in tough circumstances

Uses a more informal tone to describe the hardship.

in demanding situations

Highlights the high expectations and pressure involved.

in stressful environments

Specifically relates to environments that induce stress.

in extreme conditions

Emphasizes that the conditions are beyond the normal range of difficulty.

when facing adversity

Highlights the resilience and effort required to deal with situations.

under pressure

Focuses specifically on the feeling of being burdened or stressed.

during hardship

A more general and sometimes severe situation of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "under trying conditions" in a sentence?

Use "under trying conditions" to describe a situation where someone is facing significant difficulties or challenges, often testing their resilience or abilities. For example: "The team managed to succeed "in difficult circumstances" despite the many setbacks".

What are some alternatives to "under trying conditions"?

Alternatives include "in difficult circumstances", "in challenging situations", or "under adverse circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "under trying conditions" formal or informal?

"Under trying conditions" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts, but may sound somewhat stilted in casual conversation. Consider "in tough circumstances" if you want to be less formal.

When is it best to use "under trying conditions" over simpler alternatives?

Use "under trying conditions" when you specifically want to emphasize that the situation is not only difficult but also serves as a test of someone's abilities, resilience, or character. It adds a layer of intensity and significance that simpler alternatives might not capture.